Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Monday, March 13, 2006
(Daily Readings: Ps 56,57,58,64,65; Gen 41:46-57; 1Cor 4:8-21; Mark 3:7-10a)

Psalm 56
By Rhonda Fields

As I was reading this text, I decided to read it as if Christ had written it. Christ, who was fully human, shared in our suffering. He died our death so that we might share in his glory and live his life. Read this text from Psalm 56 as though Christ had spoken these words. Listen to the suffering of humanity that God himself experienced through Christ.

Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me; all day long they press their attack. My slanderers pursue me all day long; many are attacking me in their pride.

When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me? Record my lament; list my tears on your scroll, are they not in your record?

In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise- in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you.

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

This is the Christ who loved us with the love of God, lived for our sake, laughed for our sake, cried for our sake, and conquered death for our sake. Are you tired, sick, mourning or afraid? Consider this. If Christ relied on the strength and power that was his through God, and he promises that we share his inheritance, should we not also trust him who gives us life through his love and death?

Prayer: Most merciful and loving God, we come to you as broken humanity, thrusting beyond all trust that you can make us whole. Forgive us our doubts and restore in us a closer walk with you. Wash away our tears and forget our sins. Restore your joy and your vision in our hearts. Amen.